| Kaniksu National Forest | |
|---|---|
 Kootenai River Valley in Kaniksu National Forest | |
  | |
| Location | Idaho / Montana / Washington, United States |
| Nearest city | Coeur d'Alene, ID |
| Coordinates | 48°19′01″N 116°09′07″W / 48.317°N 116.152°W |
| Area | 1,627,833 acres (6,587.61 km2) |
| Established | July 1, 1908 |
| Governing body | U.S. Forest Service |
| Website | Idaho Panhandle National Forests |
The Kaniksu National Forest (pronounced kə-NIK-soo, /kə.ˈnɪk.su/) is a U.S. National Forest located in northeastern Washington, the Idaho Panhandle, and northwestern Montana. It is one of three forests that are aggregated into the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, along with the Coeur d'Alene National Forest and St. Joe National Forest. Kaniksu National Forest has a total area of 1,627,833 acres (6,587.6 km2). About 55.7% is in Idaho, 27.9% in Montana, and 16.4% in Washington.[1]
The name Kaniksu is from a Kalispel Indian word which means "black robe." It was used to refer to the Jesuit missionaries who brought their faith to North Idaho and Eastern Washington.
- ^ Table 6 - NFS Acreage by State, Congressional District and County - United States Forest Service - September 30, 2007